Senior Sports Reporter

BARELY a week after NSW coach Ricky Stuart nominated him as one of the props under consideration for State of Origin selection, James Tamou is also a potential bolter for the Australian team.

Asked last night if he could confirm speculation that he and other selectors had discussed throwing Tamou in against the Kiwis at Eden Park next Friday, Bob McCarthy replied: ''We are talking about him. He's playing pretty well at the moment. We've got to establish where Petero [Civoniceva] stands, and there are obviously some other very good props available, but we have discussed Tamou as a possibility.''

The foot injury to Tamou's fellow prop at the Cowboys, Matt Scott, has pushed other front-rowers up the list and left a chance for Tamou on the Australian bench. Scott wasn't named to play for the Cowboys this weekend, and isn't expected to recover in time to be a late Test addition. He hasn't played since round four.

Last year, Tamou, who was born in New Zealand, said he was keen to play international football for the Kiwis, but the Herald revealed last week he had chosen to make himself available for NSW and Australia. He played in Sydney in his teens, before joining the Cowboys. That made him eligible to play for NSW in Origin, and if he isn't chosen by the Kangaroos, he will certainly be named in the City side for next Sunday's clash with Country in Mudgee.

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Civoniceva turns 36 next week, but he has been in good form since returning to Brisbane after four strong seasons with Penrith. It is understood he did not ask the ARL for an exemption from Test football this year, so he should be available.

Cronulla's Paul Gallen is certain to be one prop in the team to be named on Sunday. David Shillington (Canberra), Keith Galloway (Wests Tigers), Ben Hannant (Brisbane), Tamou and Civoniceva are the others in the running. Two specialist props are expected to be named on the bench. The Herald revealed yesterday Melbourne utility forward Ryan Hinchcliffe was in the running for a bench spot and that remains the case. He is battling with Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans to fill the role vacated by injured Kurt Gidley.

Meanwhile, Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen said in an interview on Sky Sports Radio yesterday that he had not been contacted by Stuart as speculation on NSW selections heats up for Origin I against Queensland at Etihad Stadium on May 23. ''No, nothing at all,'' Mullen said. ''I don't know whether that's a good sign or a bad sign, but nothing at all at this stage. But the stepping stone before that obviously is Country and I'd love to get picked there because I'm a true country bloke. I'm hoping I can get picked there, but I've got to play good football for Newcastle first.'' Mullen is a certainty to be included in the Country side, which will also be named on Sunday.

The fact Stuart hasn't contacted him will surprise some, since it has been reported that Stuart rang Warriors five-eighth James Maloney to let him know he was a contender, but it shouldn't put Mullen off. Maloney hasn't played Origin before, and Stuart would have been keen to see how Maloney responded to the challenge. Mullen has played for NSW and Country before, and wouldn't need confirmation that if he played well for the Knights he would be a chance for NSW in a year when the five-eighth spot is open. Mullen is also injury-free.